American Bureau of Shipping, Houston, TX, 2003. 300 p.This ABS Guide for Ship Security has been developed with the objective of improving security in the
operation of ships. The American Bureau of Shipping recognizes the positive impact that sound
security management practices have in reducing losses to the maritime industry due to terrorism,
piracy, and other criminal activity. This Guide provides the maritime industry with a model for
implementing ship security programs.This Guide is intended for the use of companies operating all types of ships. The Guide’s
requirements are stated in general terms in order to apply to a wide variety of ships and ship
operations both at sea and in port. The basic requirements that this Guide addresses have been
developed by the international community for application to ships involved in international commerce and port facilities that interface with those ships. The term ships used in the international regulations includes passenger ships, cargo ships over 500 gross tons, and mobile offshore drilling units. This Guide may also be used for other ships, such as cargo ship less than 500 gross tons and ships not involved in international commerce to improve their security programs. If requested by the ship owner, ABS will verify and certify the security program of any ship in accordance with this Guide.General
Maritime Security
Company Security Programs
Ship Security Programs
Additional Security Measures
